Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Who Is Healthy Beginnings Pediatric Therapy? Healthy Beginnings Pediatric Therapy is an established, therapist-owned pediatric private practice serving families in Northwest Montana. Founded in 2011 as a home-based therapy practice, we have grown into a multidisciplinary team of 17 employees with clinics in

Kalispell and Columbia Falls

. We pour our hearts into supporting both our patients and our team. Our goal is to create an environment where team members have the support, mentorship, and opportunities they need to grow professionally, develop their skills, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.

What We Foster Patient-Focused, Family-Centered Care We provide individualized, evidence-based care for children with developmental, sensory, motor, self-care, and functional challenges. Our team works collaboratively across disciplines to provide care based on each child's individual needs and family priorities. Caregivers are an important part of the therapy process. We believe therapy should help families understand their child's needs and provide practical strategies that can be carried over beyond the clinic. Professional & Clinical Development Our team meets regularly to discuss current research, clinical tools, continuing education, and approaches that strengthen our clinical skills. As a COTA, you'll work closely with supervising Occupational Therapists and have opportunities for ongoing mentorship and professional development. A Connected Team Culture We are a close-knit team that supports one another, celebrates successes, shares ideas, and steps in when things get tough. Team connection extends beyond day-to-day patient care through company outings, leadership retreats, and opportunities to build lasting professional relationships. Career Growth We want Healthy Beginnings to be a place where you can build a career. We invest in continuing education, mentorship, professional development, clinical specialization, and opportunities to grow within the company. Whether you're interested in sensory processing, fine motor development, self-care skills, caregiver coaching, or other areas of pediatric occupational therapy, we want to help you continue developing your skills and pursue areas that fit your strengths and interests. Work-Life Balance We believe great clinicians need fulfilling lives outside of work. Flexible scheduling allows our team members time to enjoy their families, interests, and everything Montana has to offer. We also recognize that quality care requires time beyond direct treatment.

Dedicated paperwork and documentation time is built into the work schedule

, helping our team stay current with documentation and other clinical responsibilities during the workday.

What You'll Do As a Pediatric Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, you will work under the direction and supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist to: Provide pediatric occupational therapy services according to the established plan of care. Implement evidence-based therapeutic activities and interventions as directed by the supervising Occupational Therapist. Work with children with sensory processing, fine motor, visual motor, motor planning, self-care, developmental, and functional challenges. Carry out individualized therapy activities based on each child's established goals, strengths, and needs. Use creativity and clinical reasoning to adapt therapeutic activities and the treatment environment within the established plan of care. Partner with caregivers during therapy sessions and reinforce education, strategies, and home recommendations established in collaboration with the supervising Occupational Therapist. Help families incorporate established therapeutic strategies into everyday routines and natural environments. Collect and accurately document information related to patient performance and progress toward established goals. Complete timely and appropriate clinical documentation. Communicate patient progress, concerns, and changes to the supervising Occupational Therapist. Collaborate with Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Physical Therapists, therapy assistants, caregivers, and other members of our multidisciplinary team. Maintain professional, ethical, and confidential standards in all patient interactions and documentation. Participate in supervision, mentorship, team meetings, and professional development opportunities. Pediatric or private-practice experience is preferred, but it is

not required

. We value clinicians who are eager to learn, open to mentorship, and committed to developing their pediatric occupational therapy skills.

Who We're Looking For We're looking for someone who shows up with heart, thinks critically, is eager to learn, and cares deeply about the children and families they serve. Someone who sees the

why behind the behavior and the child behind the chart

. Our ideal COTA: Treats every child and family ethically, respectfully, and compassionately. Enjoys working directly with children and families. Understands the importance of caregiver involvement in successful therapy. Brings creativity, energy, and a holistic perspective to pediatric care. Can implement an established plan of care while individualizing therapeutic activities to meet the child's needs. Is comfortable receiving direction, supervision, and feedback from an Occupational Therapist. Communicates openly and effectively with supervising therapists and the multidisciplinary team. Is organized and able to complete documentation accurately and on time. Recognizes changes or concerns and communicates them appropriately to the supervising Occupational Therapist. Values evidence-based practice and individualized, family-centered care. Is dependable, collaborative, and committed to continued professional growth.

Qualifications Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program. Current Montana Occupational Therapy Assistant license or eligibility for Montana licensure. Current NBCOT certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), as applicable. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively under the direction and supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist. Strong organizational and documentation skills. Commitment to ethical, evidence-based, family-centered pediatric care.

Why You'll Love Working With Us Our mission is to provide

holistic, family-centered care to children with developmental needs by combining evidence-based practice with clinical expertise. At Healthy Beginnings: You'll work closely with and receive support from

experienced Occupational Therapists. Dedicated paperwork and documentation time is built into your work schedule. You'll have access to

mentorship, resources, continuing education, and support for professional growth. Your ideas and feedback are welcomed and valued. You'll work alongside a

supportive multidisciplinary pediatric team. You'll have access to excellent clinical equipment, therapy materials, and treatment resources. We offer both in-clinic and teletherapy services when clinically appropriate and permitted within the COTA's scope of practice. We celebrate wins together and support one another when things get challenging. You'll have

opportunities to develop professionally and grow within the organization. We want this to be more than your next job. We want it to be a place where you can build your pediatric career.

Benefits We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes: Guaranteed base compensation

with an optional, achievable performance bonus structure. Health insurance. 401(k) with employer match. Generous continuing education allowance. Professional license reimbursement. PTO with six accrual tiers. Employee referral bonus program. Flexible scheduling:

choose between four 10-hour days or five 8-hour days. Dedicated blocked time for documentation and paperwork. Supportive team environment and ongoing OT mentorship and supervision.

Ready to Grow With Us? If you're looking for a pediatric COTA position where you can develop your clinical skills, receive meaningful mentorship, work alongside a collaborative multidisciplinary team, and make a difference for children and families, we'd love to meet you.